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“I can handle the travel and accommodations,” Iris rushes out, seemingly to stop Maddox from saying no. Then she’s scribbling on her stylus tablet again, with more fervor this time. “I’ll schedule the private jet.”
Wow, a private jet.
When I look at Maddox, he’s scrubbing his chin. “How long is the trip, Riley?”
“Short.” My tone’s upbeat. “I was just going for three days, enough time to spread her ashes along the cliffs of Whistleburg, her tiny hometown.”
Iris smiles. “How romantic.”
“I’ll take Farmer,” Skye pipes in.
“Thanks, Skye. Iris, Riley and I will need separate accommodations,” Maddox cuts in. “But ones attached by an adjoining door, if at all possible, in case any press shows up, although they shouldn’t so far out of the way. If you could clear my calendar and rearrange appointments, that would be really helpful. Also, can you purchase me a kilt?”
The room goes silent. Iris studies Maddox, surely trying to gauge if he’s joking, then she says, “You got it.”
“That was a joke, Iris,” Maddox deadpans.
I scowl. “That’s not funny. These are my ancestors, and I think kilts are sexy. Maybe youshouldget one.“ After I realize what I just said, I add, “Not that I want to see you in sexy attire, so I’m glad you don’t like them.” I stop talking because it seems like a good idea.
Skye says, “We need to throw an engagement party. It’s on the itinerary. Think about it.”
“Jesus.” I put a hand over my face.
“Oh, no,” Iris cuts in, looking at Maddox. “You can’t go to Scotland.” She turns to Smith. “He’s got the Sidewalk Film Festival. They’re showcasingBladelands.”
“Right,” Maddox says, his face dropping. Maybe it’s just me, but does he actually look disappointed?
Iris says, “I’ll make sure the press knows why you’ll be spending the weekend apart.”
Smith jumps up, realizing he spent approximately a minute and a half longer here than necessary since we’ve both agreed to the engagement. “I’ll see you two on set. Riley, make sure you wear that ring.”
“Okie-doke.” Ugh. I don’t even like that thing. It’s too much.
“I’ll put out another press release.” Iris stands.
Skye says, “Along with your new itinerary, you’ll find a list of items that’ll make sure you two appear as an engaged couple versus a dating one.”
“Thanks, everyone,” Maddox says.
Skye disconnects and Iris scuttles out the door, like they’re bugging out before we change our minds. And they’re not wrong. If I could hit the “undo” button right now, I would.
Maddox’s phone buzzes, and he rubs his temple as he looks at it. “Lovely. My mother saw the engagement announcement. She wants to meet me for dinner on Tuesday.”
“You should do it.”
Maddox studies me, deep in thought. “No dinner, just drinks. Well,onedrink. You’ll come?”
“Right. Because you need to keep up appearances—“
“No. I’d like you there.” His gaze narrows, and his fist tightens around the itinerary he’s holding from Skye. “Please.” There’s a vulnerability in his voice I’ve never heard before.
Is he asking me because he needs my support? And does he actually consider me a friend? If so, I’m flattered, maybe even honored, and I wouldn’t think of saying no. “Of course.”
12
Just One Drink
At Seared, a restaurant a hot new chef just opened in Buckhead, Maddox and I sit down at a dark, obscure booth in the back waiting for Maddox’s mom. We put in our drink orders, and I’m surprised when he asks for a whiskey sour instead of a beer for his mother and himself. Apparently, we’re upgrading to the strong stuff, so I order a gin and tonic. Maddox was quiet all day on set, even more so than usual, and he barely touched his lunch.
